Orange Juice
Think you know orange juice? Think again! New research has shown this classic, delicious breakfast beverage has even more health benefits than previously thought.
Orange juice...
- ...can help prevent heart issues.The many flavonoids in orange juice have been shown to help reduce the risk of heart and circulatory disease.
- ...is most effective when freshly squeezed.Researchers have found that the vitamin C, vitamin A and healthy flavonoids in orange juice is better absorbed by the body when it is freshly squeezed as opposed to store-bought.
- ...protects the body's cells.Orange juice contains many antioxidants that intercept free radicals in the body before they can damage the cells.
- ...can help you burn fat.Although orange juice contains relatively high levels of fructose, it also contains 52 mg of vitamin C per 100 ml. This vitamin can boost the burning of body fat.
- ...tightens the tissues.The vitamin C in orange juice helps the body produce collagen, which can help keep connective tissue firm.
- ...isn't for everyone.If you suffer from fructose intolerance (i.e. you react to fruit sugar with discomfort), you should avoid orange juice.
- ...is high in sugar.Oranges are very high in natural sugar, which is concentrated even more in the juice.
What You Should Know About Orange Juice
Whether for breakfast, with a dash of sparkling wine in a mimosa or as the base of a smoothie, orange juice is a delicious and versatile drink that is wiedly beloved. Freshly-squeezed orange juice is inarguably more delicious, fragrant and ultimately healthful than store-bought varieties. However pre-bottled orange juice is still brimming with important nutrients such as vitamins C and A, as long as it is made from 100% oranges.
Origins
The exact origins of orange juice are hard to pin down, however its thought that this juice first gained in popularity in Florida in the 1920s.
Season
You can buy orange juice anytime. The peak season for oranges falls from November through May.
Flavor
The taste of orange juice can vary greatly. Depending on the quality and the oranges used, it can taste sweet to sour, aromatic or rather mild.
Our Favorite Recipes With Orange Juice
Find all our orange juice recipes here.
How Healthy is Orange Juice?
Like most fruit juices, orange juice is reltively high in calories for a beverage. However this doesn't necessarily mean that dieters should eliminate from their diet. Pure orange juice is free of added sugar and has much less fructose than most other fruit juices. Scientists also have reason to believe that orange juice might help make you slim, as it helps boost the body's metabolism.
One of orange juice's principal health benefits is its rich vitamin C content: a 100 gram serving contains 42 milligrams of this immune-boosting vitamin. Vitamin C can also least temporarily boost the breakdown of body fat and helps the body to produce collagen, which helps keep connective tissue firm.
Orange juice is also abundant in antioxidants, which intercept free radicals in the body before they can damage the body's cells. At the same time, these antioxidants act as anti-aging agents. This is even more for freshly squeezed orange juice, whose nutrients are better absorbed by the body than bottled orange juice.
As healthy as orange juice is, however, anyone who has trouble digesting fruit sugar, also called fructose, should consume it sparingly. The same applies to those with histamine intolerances.
| ORANGE JUICE NUTRITIONAL INFO (100 g) | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 44 |
| Protein | 0.7 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8.7 g |
| Fiber | 0.4 g |
Shopping and Cooking Tips
Purchasing
When you buy ready-made orange juice, always look at the label; unless it contains only oranges and water, don't purchase it.
If you want to squeeze your own juice, make sure to purchase juicing oranges. This variety is smaller than the oranges you normally eat, but are more juicy and aromatic.
Storage
Store-bought orange juice can normally be stored in the refrigerator for a few months before opening. Once you've opened the seal, however, it won't last more than a couple weeks. Homemade orange juice should be consumed as quickly as possible-- the longer it sits in the refrigerator, the more vitamins it loses.
Preparation
To make orange juice at home, simply slice juicing oranges in half and either give them a hard squeeze into your glass or use a juicer until you've produced your desired amount of juice. No other ingredients need to be added.
What To Make With Orange Juice
Orange juice tastes delicious on its own, mixed with water or sparkling wine, or in cocktails, mocktails or smoothies of any kind. Orange juice is also excellent in hot drinks, for example mixed with green tea.
Orange juice also provides a fruity, fresh note in numerous savory dishes and baked goods. It refines and adds freshness to poultry and fish dishes, deepens the flavor of soups and sauces, gives cakes and tarts a wonderful acidic bite, and is a delicious base for sorbets and ice cream.
